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Problems mount up for Maxime Sorel who is diverting to Madeira to climb his mast

Every skipper on the Vendée Globe expects a problem every day but the first few days of the tenth edition have been especially tough for Maxime Sorel (V and B -Monbana-Mayenne) whose troubles have escalated. He started with a gennaker problem that was quickly resolved with a patch, then the mainsail hook. It is now jammed an while trying to repair it, yesterday Maxime injured his ankle.  Since then Sorel has been struggling to find a solution. And so he has elected to seek shelter in Madeira to climb the mast and try to make repairs. 
Sorel explains: 

Jean Le Cam

Maxime Sorel

V AND B - MONBANA - MAYENNE

"I tried to lower the mainsail this morning but it stayed stuck at reef 3. I then wanted to climb the mast but the sea was too rough and I ended up giving up. My arms were so numb and that didn't help my ankle injury that I have been monitoring with the race doctors for 48 hours. I have to face the facts, the hook is broken. So I decided to gybe and head at reduced speed towards Madeira to find shelter. I will then climb the mast and try to lower the mainsail to 100%. I wasn't expecting such a complicated start to the Vendée Globe but I tell myself that I will find the best solutions.”

IMOCA V and B - Monbana - Mayenne - Maxime Sorel ©Maxime Falcone
© Maxime Falcone

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